U.N. CSO FoRB Resources

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Report & CSO Strategies

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REPORT Optimizing CSO Engagement
Click on the image above to read the report.

This report, composed by 21Wilberforce and researchers from the University of Stirling, explores the role and strategies of civil society organizations in influencing the implementation of Freedom of Religion, Belief, and Conscience (FoRB)-related human rights recommendations made in the UN Universal Periodic Review.

The goal of this research project is to provide actionable intelligence, models, and effective strategies for civil society organizations and all groups involved in the UPR in guiding efforts to spur real change around the world.

You can find the full report by clicking on the image to the left. This webpage also contains an overview of the UPR and key ways that civil society organizations can get involved in each of the three stages of the process.

Overview UPR Actor Roles

This flow chart outlines the step-by-step actions that each major actor takes within the UPR process and the points at which they interact with other actors.

*NHRIs refers to National Human Rights Institutions

Phases CSO FORB UPR ENGAGEMENT

The information below presents a detailed civil society engagement timeline, key involvement strategies, and resources for each of the three stages of the UPR process. Click on each stage to view the resources for that stage.  

Stage 1: Preparation for the Review

The first stage of the UPR involves the drafting of reports that identify progress made in the implementation of recommendations made during the previous cycle, and any new areas of concern that are to be addressed during the Working Group’s interactive dialogue. Once States are scheduled for review, pre-review preparations begin and are largely related to the preparation, submission, and publication of documentation that serves as the foundation of the peer review by the Working Group. Read more…

 

6-12 Months Before Review - Window for Report and Recommendation Formation
Engagement Options Description Resources
Influencing Stakeholder Assessments and Reports
Begin CSO advocacy campaigns directed at States Under Review, Permanent Missions, and UN Agencies, and form coalitions with other stakeholders in preparation for the submission deadline. If applicable, participate in or encourage national consultations by the State Under Review. 
Report information on CSO Strategies to influence Stakeholder Assessments and reports
Participate in National Consultations
National consultations are hosted by the government and provide a platform for CSOs, usually local organizations, to provide feedback on the human rights record of the state. Sometimes these consultations are more informal or are initiated by CSOs.
Build CSO Coalitions
Working in coalitions was one of the top strategies that almost every interviewed organization highlighted as necessary for CSOs to be effective in the UPR process. CSOs work in coalitions to raise awareness by collaborating on joint UPR reports, sharing and verifying information, connecting with shared contacts, creating grassroots reporting networks, and amplifying reports in multiple constituent networks.
6-7 Months Before Review - CSO Stakeholder Submission Deadline
Engagement Options Description Resources
Submit CSO Stakeholder Reports
CSOs can give input into the process through submitting reports that are compiled by the OHCHR. Possessing UN ECOSOC accreditation is not a prerequisite for contributing information for incorporation into the synopsis.
Make SMART Recommendations
One method CSOs sometimes use to enhance the effectiveness of their recommendations within the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is by adopting a SMART approach, ensuring that suggestions are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
4 Weeks Before Review: Window to Review Documents and Participate in Pre-Sessions
Engagement Options Description Resources
Participate in Pre-Sessions
The Pre-sessions are hosted by UPR Info and take place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The selection process for panelists begins three-four months before the Pre-sessions with a call for applications on UPR Info’s website and social media channels. The two objectives of the Pre-sessions are to support bottom-up advocacy and to provide Permanent Missions with first-hand sources of information.
UPR Info Pre-sessions Information
Stage 2: Between the Review and Adoption

Stage 2 CSO Timeline

The second phase involves a review of the state conducted by the UPR Working Group. The reviews are carried out by the Working Group in the Human Rights Council chamber in Geneva.  As a standing item on the HRC agenda, up to one hour during the Human Rights Council Plenary Session is allocated for consideration and official adoption of each UPR outcome report that had been provisionally adopted by the UPR Working Group. After the HRC session, the three key documents of the UPR process are finalized, translated into the official UN languages, and made available on the OHCHR website: Working Group outcome report, Addendum containing the SuR responses, and the HRC decision on adopting the outcome. Read more…
  • The Scheduled Review:  Watch the review in-person in Geneva or streaming online. Find the schedule for reviews at this link
  • 2-3 Days After Review: Review the outcome report on which recommendations were “supported” or “noted”
  • 0-3 Months After Review: Advocate for States to accept key recommendations before the final adoption of the report

CSO Stage 2 Strategies

Learn more by clicking on the links:

  • Advocate for States to make specific recommendations
  • Attend or watch review (although CSOs are not allowed to speak at review)
  • Engage the media and publicize key moments from the review session
  • Advocate for States Under Review to accept recommendations
  • Host or attend side events
  • Publicize the recommendations that are accepted and the ones that are not
  • Make statements during the HRC Plenary Session (if ECOSOC accredited)
Stage 3: Implementation of the Recommendations

Stage 3 CSO Timeline

The third and final phase of the UPR process is the longest and arguably the most critical; the SuR has the next 3 or so years to implement the recommendations it supported during the review and to make meaningful improvements to the general human rights standards. During this time, the conclusions and recommendations in the outcome documents adopted by the HRC serve as a basis for UPR follow-up.CSOs can play a critical role in encouraging SuRs to implement recommendations they have committed to and to hold them accountable. NGOs have a significant role in post-review activities, particularly in advocating for the implementation of accepted recommendations within their respective countries.
  • Ongoing: Monitor implementation of recommendations
  • 3-12 Months After Review: Follow-up on recommendations with the State Under Review and with Recommending States
  • 2 1/2 Years After Review: Submit and CSO mid-term report and encourage State to submit one

CSO Stage 3 Strategies

Learn more by clicking on the links:

  • Develop coalitions of CSOs to track and advocate for the implementation of recommendations
  • Help States develop detailed national action plans for implementation
  • Encourage States to submit mid-term reports on their implementation progress or submit CSO evaluations
  • Find synergies with other UN mechanisms and like-minded countries that will follow up on their recommendations
  • Partner with local judicial, legal, business, and legislative